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Woody Harrelson wanted DNA test to see if Matthew McConaughey could be his biological brother

Home> News

Updated 16:09 29 Sep 2025 GMT+1Published 18:06 9 Aug 2024 GMT+1

Woody Harrelson wanted DNA test to see if Matthew McConaughey could be his biological brother

Woody Harrelson seems super up for finding out once and for all

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey being brothers might sound like the premise of a bizarre Farrelly brothers comedy, but the connection may not be as far-fetched as it sounds.

The unexpected saga between the two Hollywood stars first hit headlines last year, when McConaughey revealed that his mother had once told Harrelson she knew his father - with some 'ellipses' after 'knew'.

"We went on to unpack what this ‘knew’ meant and did some math and found out that [Woody Harrelson's] dad was on furlough at the same time that my mom and dad were in their second divorce," McConaughey explained in an interview.

“Then there’s possible receipts and places out in West Texas where there might have been a gathering, or a meeting, or a ‘knew’ moment."

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The pair may genuinely be related (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The pair may genuinely be related (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Naturally, when he spilled the tea, fans were immediately OBSESSED and were desperate to know more.

Retired talk show host Maury Povich - who famously offered DNA testing on his series – was so keen to know the truth once and for all the he actually offered up his assistance.

Chatting to E! News about the unexpected news, Povich said: "I just heard about the possibilities - I mean Matthew, I don't know you; Woody, you're my pal.

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"But guess what: I would come out of retirement - we could do prime time - DNA, Maury's back, with Woody and Matthew.

"Woody's got my number - I'm ready."

While we’ve not had our answers yet, it seems Harrelson is up for taking the test, but admitted there was one thing holding the pair back.

In an interview with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, he explained: "We want to go for a [DNA] test, but for [McConaughey], it’s a much more big deal.

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"I mean he feels like he is losing a father. But I’m like, no, you’re gaining a different father and a brother."

Harrelson seems up for taking a DNA test (Lester Cohen/WireImage/Getty Images)
Harrelson seems up for taking a DNA test (Lester Cohen/WireImage/Getty Images)

Opening up about where he stood on the matter in an interview of his own, McConaughey said: "Look, it’s a little easier for Woody to say, ‘Come on, let’s do [DNA tests],’ because what’s the skin in it for him?

"It’s a little harder for me because he’s asking me to take a chance to go, 'Wait a minute, you’re trying to tell me my dad may not be my dad after 53 years of believing that?' I got a little more skin in the game."

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He later came round to the idea a little more, however, responding to Povich’s offer to imply that he might be down.

During an appearance on E! back in September 2023, the Interstellar actor said: "I don't know if we're gonna do it on your show, but I like the way you're thinking."

We all want answers!

Featured Image Credit: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images/Lester Cohen/WireImage/Getty Images

Topics: Celebrity, Matthew McConaughey

Jess Hardiman
Jess Hardiman

Jess is Entertainment Desk Lead at LADbible Group. She graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

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@Jess_Hardiman

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